BEST DOG BREEDS FOR CHILDREN

A "dog for the kids" will be a non-critical confidant to share a child's dreams and teach responsibility in caring for the dog.

BEST BREEDS WITH KIDS

Unlike most lists of best dog breeds for the family, we explain WHY certain breeds are better suited for kids.

A lot depends on the child's AGE group, activity level, and personality. The really cool thing about purebred dogs is that each breed was developed to serve a certain purpose, like to be a ladies lap dog or guard the Emperor's palace.

When a pure breed gets crossed up with another pure breed for a specific reason, we call it cross-bred. When a pure bred dog gets accidentally mated to a mutt, well, we call it a mongrel because the carefully developed traits of the purebred are diminished by the mutt's jumbled up genetic traits.

One thing all dogs have in common is an uncanny love for humans. Puppies love everyone but as they get older their genes "come alive" and begin to distinguish their breed characteristics. Some breeds become devoted to just one person, some become very territorial and will protect
your stuff. Others, like terrier breeds, become "varminty" (meaning they catch pesky critters like rats) and most terriers breeds, they are fiery and quick to react.

None of the foregoing breed types are suitable for young
children. One-owner dogs will resent your kid's playmates. The
territorial, protective breeds may not always accept youngsters running in and
out. Varmity breeds tend to grab toys and even ankles but terriers are great with older, athletic kids
approaching their teen years.

Some breeds are made for children.
They are patient, slow to anger, have a high pain threshold, don't mind being
dressed in doll clothes, ridden in a wagon, or being a pillow in front of
the TV. They seem to be especially made for young children whereas other breeds
are are great for older kids.

Safest and Best Dog Breeds For Kids

ARF! Clumber Spaniel. Clumbers are big enough, gentle
and patient enough to resist rough handling, making them a good choice for
families with toddlers. With older children, the Clumber will just snooze quietly
when homework is the priority.

ARF! Cocker Spaniel. Cockers are
loving and tolerant of having coat or ears pulled by rambunctious and
mischievous youngsters who are a tad more active.

ARF! Golden Retriever. Goldens are fun-loving, intelligent playmates for children of every age; from the
old five year old who runs in circles with exuberant
energy to the teenager who expects his dog to be end
receiver in a rough and tumble game of football!

ARF! Labrador Retriever. Labs are
sturdy, sensible,
thoughtful - what we call a "good buddy dog" for all kids regardless of their
age. Their size and sturdy nature combined with energy level to match that of any kid
makes them among the most popular family dogs.

Irish Wolfhound in the
Showring

photo courtesy of
Gretchen Bernardi

ARF! Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland, Irish Wolfhounds.
Those who want a really big dog and whose children are
old enough to avoid being jostled by over a hundred pounds,
simply love these
gentle giants. They are good natured, tolerant, sedate companions.

ARF! Boxer. Kind, loving and loyal, the boxer is a great dog
for boys who like to rough-house
and roll around in the dirt with their best friend. Fine for younger kids, too,
if obedience trained as the dog's eagerness to play could
overwhelm toddlers.

ARF! Boston Terrier. Bostons are so tuned in, alert and quick on their
feet that even a falling tot isn't likely to land on one. Small enough to
go everywhere, not a dog to nip or bite. Loving,
loyal and energetic enough to keep going and going and going - like the
Energizer Bunny!

ARF! Bulldogs. These powerful dogs have a very high
pain threshold and therefore react to the poking and prodding of toddlers with a
big wet kiss or the kind of "ho-hum tolerance" that keeps mothers breathing easy.

ARF! Shetland Sheepdog. Quick on their feet with
equally agile minds, Shelties are bred to stick to their charges like a magnet and to gently protect babies, whether lambs or humans. Enough said!

ARF! Toy Fox Terriers. Families
looking for a playful armful get
exactly that with this little "circus dog" that loves to entertain both children
and adults! He's also a reliable burglar alarm, is healthy, hardy and needs very
little grooming. Smart as a Chihuahua, agile as a terrier.

ARF! Beagles. These pint-sized hunting dogs are affectionate and sturdy.
Not big
enough to intimidate a little child but large enough to keep a kid from trying to pick
them up and squeeze too hard or drop the dog.

ARF! Bloodhounds and Basset Hounds have lots of
loose skin to intrigue children, long silky ears everyone loves to stroke, and
as much calm patience as they have drool. And well, that's a lot!

To see photos, descriptions and official breed Standards and learn more about these "good with kids" breeds, visit the DOG BREEDS SECTION. You can click a breed by name, by the ABC method, or browse breeds by their group which lets you check them out by size, weight, coat type and purpose. How cool is that!!